U.S. patent application number 13/261598 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-08 for assembly, intercalated between a torque tool and a fastening element, for measuring torques and tightening angles.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dan Provost. The applicant listed for this patent is Drew Cheesman, Shayne Harder, Aaron Johnson, Dan Provost. Invention is credited to Drew Cheesman, Shayne Harder, Aaron Johnson, Dan Provost.
Application Number | 20130199307 13/261598 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45348599 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130199307 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Provost; Dan ; et
al. |
August 8, 2013 |
ASSEMBLY, INTERCALATED BETWEEN A TORQUE TOOL AND A FASTENING
ELEMENT, FOR MEASURING TORQUES AND TIGHTENING ANGLES
Abstract
The assembly comprises: 1) a socket subassembly having an
unitary elongated body, including at one extremity a first engaging
cavity, at an opposite extremity, a second engaging cavity: and
incorporating an externally open, annular channel provided between
the extremities of the socket subassembly: 2) a strain transducer
subassembly, for measuring torsional strains on the socket
subassembly, mounted in the externally open annular channel: 3) a
circular cover attached to the socket subassembly for enclosing the
externally open, annular channel: and 4) an electronic subassembly
for converting the torsional strains on the socket subassembly to
standard torque values and for determining tightening angular
displacements by means of a sensor: the electronic subassembly
being interconnected to the strain transducer subassembly and
mounted on the circular cover to face the strain transducer
subassembly.
Inventors: |
Provost; Dan; (Abbotsford,
CA) ; Cheesman; Drew; (Auckland, NZ) ; Harder;
Shayne; (Abbotsford, CA) ; Johnson; Aaron;
(Maple Ridge, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Provost; Dan
Cheesman; Drew
Harder; Shayne
Johnson; Aaron |
Abbotsford
Auckland
Abbotsford
Maple Ridge |
|
CA
NZ
CA
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
Provost; Dan
Abbotsford
BC
|
Family ID: |
45348599 |
Appl. No.: |
13/261598 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
September 2, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA2011/001001 |
371 Date: |
April 12, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
73/862.27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01L 5/24 20130101; B25B
23/1425 20130101; B25B 13/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
73/862.27 |
International
Class: |
G01L 5/24 20060101
G01L005/24 |
Claims
1. An assembly, intercalated between a torque tool and a fastening
element, for measuring torques and angular displacements of a
fasteners comprising, in combination: a socket subassembly having
an unitary elongated body, including at one extremity a first
engaging cavity, at an opposite extremity, a second engaging
cavity; and incorporating an externally open, annular channel
provided between said extremities of said socket subassembly; a
strain transducer subassembly, for measuring torsional strains on
said socket subassembly, mounted in said externally open, annular
channel; a circular cover attached to said socket subassembly for
enclosing said externally open, annular channel; and a electronics
subassembly for converting said torsional strains on said socket
subassembly to standard torque values and for determining
tightening angular displacements; said electronic subassembly being
interconnected to said strain transducer subassembly and mounted on
said circular cover to face said strain transducer subassembly;
said socket subassembly including said first engaging cavity,
shaped to conform to and engage with said torque tool exit shaft,
usually of square drive type; said second engaging cavity being
shaped to conform to and engage with said fastening element, of a
specific size; said externally open. annular channel being provided
with a circular bottom surface for mounting said strain transducer
subassembly; said strain transducer subassembly comprises four
strain gages, equally spaced from each other on said circular
bottom surface, intended for measuring torsional strains; each of
said four strain gages being of the 45 degree dual grid shear
pattern and being made of constantan comprising a pair of parallel,
juxtaposed strain elements, so arranged that a convergence line of
said parallel, juxtaposed strain elements is parallel to the
longitudinal axis of symmetry of said socket subassembly, for
measuring torsional strains, only; said strain transducer
subassembly being wired in a Wheatstone bridge to produce analog
voltage signals, proportional to only torsional strains in said
socket assembly, and therefrom in said fastening element; said
circular cover subassembly comprising a first and second
semicircular segments; said first semi-circular segment
incorporating an axial and radial protrusion and diametrically
opposed threaded openings; said second semi-circular segment
incorporates a pair of fastening openings, corresponding to said
diametrically opposed threaded openings; said diametrically opposed
threaded openings and said pair of fastening openings being used
for attachment of said first and second semi-circular segments by
fasteners; said electronic subassembly comprising a processing
unit, a user interface unit and a power supply unit; said
processing unit including a microcontroller for digital and analog
signal processing, mounted on said first semi-circular segment and
connected to said strain transducer subassembly for converting the
torsional strain into standard engineering units of torque, for
measuring angular displacement by means of a sensor for providing
date/time function to time stamp tightening cycles and measured
parameters, and for parameter and configuration memory storage;
said user interface unit including a display, mounted on said first
semi-circular segment and interconnected to said microcontroller,
for showing the selected imposed parameters (applied torque and/or
angular displacement), and for showing the running and final
measured parameters (applied torque and/or angular displacement); a
connection port, mounted to said first semi-circular segment and
interconnected to said processing unit for communication to an
external device or for the purpose of controlling said torque tool
shut-off at the imposed parameter (applied torque and/or angular
displacement); a keypad, interconnected to said processing unit for
selecting the desired parameter for verification (applied torque
and/or angular displacement), or for selecting the parameter
(applied torque and/or angular displacement) at which to signal
said torque tool's own controller to shut-off at the imposed
parameter (applied torque and/or angular displacement); a pass/fail
indicator, interconnected to said processing unit, for showing if
the measured parameter (applied torque and/or angular
displacement), is within the pre-established upper parameter limit
and lower parameter limit as defined by the user; and said power
supply unit including a power source in the form of a battery and a
battery charging and protection circuit.
Description
I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates in general to sockets for
interconnecting torque tools and fastening elements and, more
specifically, to an assembly intercalated between a torque tool and
a fastening element, for measuring torques and tightening
angles.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] In fastening operations. it is often required to tighten a
threaded fastener until it is adequately tensioned, thereby
insuring that the latter securely holds the work piece. In order to
install threaded fasteners, such as screws, bolts, nuts or the
like, a tool is used to apply the required torque or tension. In
critical applications, the installing tool apparatus does not have
the means of measurement, is incapable of accurately measuring the
require tension, or it is required that a secondary measurement
device be used to verify that the required tension has been
achieved.
[0005] There are several accepted methods for measuring the applied
tension in threaded fasteners. In one method, the required tension
is determined by applied torque, which is previously established by
engineering calculus. According to this method, the torque, or
torsional load is often measured using strain gauge(s). According
to another method, the required tension is measured by an angular
displacement of a fastener. Attempts have been made to develop an
apparatus, using various ultrasonic techniques, for directly
measuring fasteners tension. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,439
granted on Oct. 22, 1991 to Carpenter for a "UT Socket Assembly"
discloses an ultrasonic transducer socket assembly, used with a
torque tool, for simultaneously tightening a bolt and measuring
bolt load. A pole adaptor rigidly attached to a driving socket for
engaging and driving a bolt has a stationary cylinder mounted
therein. A second cylinder, rotatable and slidably received in the
stationary cylinder, has an ultrasonic transducer pivotally mounted
at one end that contacts the bolt to be tightened, when the socket
is engaged with the bolt. The rotating cylinder and transducer are
rotated approximately 180 degrees during engagement of the socket
and bolt to smear an even couplant layer between the bolt and
transducer to assure consistent measurements of bolt load during
tightening a socket assembly including a ultrasonic transducer
capable of measuring the bolt tension.
[0006] Although directly measuring bolt tension is advantageous,
the foregoing apparatus has several disadvantages. Among them, the
fact that the apparatus incorporates complex mechanical features
which can negatively affect the precision of the measurements,
increases the manufacturing cost, reduces the reliability, and
greatly increases the length and weight of the socket which in many
applications is impractical.
II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Based on the state of the art, there is a need for an
improved apparatus that reliably measures the torque directly
applied to a threaded fastener.
[0008] Thus, it is an objective of the present invention to devise
an apparatus therefore which is reliable, compact, and provides
precise measurements of torsional strain and/or angular
displacement.
[0009] It is another objective to provide the applied torque in
Engineering Units (for example, lbs-ft, or NM) achieved by storing
calibration values relating the torsional strain to torque.
[0010] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide means to remotely monitor, and record the applied torque
and/or angular displacement of a fastener.
[0011] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide a means to signal to a tool apparatus to shut-off at a
pre-established applied torque and/or angular displacement.
[0012] Broadly stating, the assembly, intercalated between a torque
tool and a fastening element, for measuring torques and tightening
angles comprises, in combination: [0013] a socket subassembly
having an unitary elongated body, including at one extremity a
first engaging cavity, at an opposite extremity, a second engaging
cavity; and incorporating an externally open, annular channel
provided between the extremities of the socket subassembly; [0014]
a strain transducer subassembly, for measuring torsional strains on
the socket subassembly, mounted in the externally open, annular
channel; [0015] a circular cover attached to the socket subassembly
for enclosing the externally open, annular channel; and [0016] a
electronics subassembly for converting the measured torsional
strains on the socket subassembly to standard torque values and for
measuring angular displacement of the fastener;
[0017] the electronic subassembly being interconnected to the
strain transducer subassembly and mounted on the circular cover to
face the strain transducer subassembly.
[0018] In one aspect, the assembly, intercalated between a torque
tool and a fastening element, for measuring torques and tightening
angles comprises, in combination:
[0019] a socket subassembly including a first engaging cavity,
shaped to conform to and engage with the torque tool exit shaft,
usually of square drive type; a second engaging cavity being shaped
to conform to and engage with the fastening element, of a specific
size; the externally open, annular channel being provided with a
circular bottom surface for mounting a strain transducer
subassembly;
[0020] the strain transducer subassembly comprising four strain
gages, equally spaced from each other on the circular bottom
surface, intended for measuring torsional strains; each of the four
strain gages being of the 45 degree dual grid shear pattern and
being made of constantan comprising a pair of parallel, juxtaposed
strain elements, so arranged that a convergence line of the
parallel, juxtaposed strain elements is parallel to the
longitudinal axis of symmetry of the socket subassembly, for
measuring torsional strains, only; the strain transducer
subassembly being wired in a Wheatstone bridge to produce analog
voltage signals, proportional to only torsional strains in the
socket assembly, and therefor in the fastening element;
[0021] said circular cover subassembly comprising a first and
second semicircular segments; the first semi-circular segment
incorporating an axial and radial protrusion and diametrically
opposed threaded openings; the second semi-circular segment
incorporates a pair of fastening openings, corresponding to the
diametrically opposed threaded openings; the diametrically opposed
threaded openings and the pair of fastening openings being used for
attachment of the first and second semi-circular segments by
fasteners;
[0022] an electronic subassembly comprising a processing unit, a
user interface unit and a power supply unit;
[0023] the processing unit including a microcontroller for digital
and analog signal processing, mounted on the first semi-circular
segment and connected to the strain transducer subassembly for
converting the torsional strain into standard engineering units of
torque, for measuring angular displacement by means of a sensor for
providing date/time function to time stamp tightening cycles and
measured parameters, and for parameter and configuration memory
storage;
[0024] the user interface unit including
[0025] a display, mounted on the first semi-circular segment and
interconnected to the microcontroller, for showing the selected
imposed parameters (applied torque and/or angular displacement),
and for showing the running and final measured parameters (applied
torque and/or angular displacement);
[0026] a connection port, mounted to the first semi-circular
segment and interconnected to the processing unit for communication
to an external device or for the purpose of controlling the torque
tool shut-off at the imposed parameter (applied torque and/or
angular displacement);
[0027] a keypad, interconnected to the processing unit for
selecting the desired parameter for verification (applied torque
and/or angular displacement), or for selecting the parameter
(applied torque and/or angular displacement) at which to signal the
torque tool's own controller to shut-off at the imposed parameter
(applied torque and/or angular displacement);
[0028] a pass/fail indicator, interconnected to the processing
unit, for showing if the measured parameter (applied torque and/or
angular displacement), is within the pre-established upper
parameter limit and lower parameter limit as defined by the user;
and
[0029] the power supply unit including
[0030] a power source in the form of a battery and a battery
charging and protection circuit.
II. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is a prospective, exploded view of the assembly,
intercalated between a torque tool and a fastening element, for
measuring torques and tightening angles;
[0032] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are prospective views of a processing
unit A, a user interface unit B and a power supply unit C, which
units compose an electronic subassembly of the assembly of FIG.
1;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-section of the socket
subassembly, along its longitudinal axis of symmetry (see also line
Y-Y of FIG. 3);
[0034] FIG. 3 is a elevation view of the socket subassembly with
strain gages of the strain transducer subassembly mounted in
externally open. annular channel and indicating vertical
cross-section line Y-Y, horizontal cross-section line X-X and a
zone Z;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-section along line X-X of FIG,
3 showing the circumferential disposal of four strain gages of the
strain transducer subassembly;
[0036] FIG. 5 depicts an enlarged view of zone Z shown in FIG.
3;
[0037] FIG. 6 is a prospective, exploded view of the circular cover
subassembly; and
[0038] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the electronic
subassembly.
IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] Broadly describing, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, an
assembly, intercalated between a torque tool and a fastening
element, for measuring torques and tightening angles, generally
referenced as 10, comprises in combination; [0040] a socket
subassembly 100 having an unitary elongated body, including at one
extremity a first engaging cavity 110, at an opposite extremity, a
second engaging cavity 120; and incorporating an externally open,
annular channel 130 provided between the extremities of socket
subassembly 100; [0041] a strain transducer subassembly 200, for
measuring an torsional strain on the socket subassembly 100,
mounted in externally open, annular channel 130; [0042] a circular
cover 300 attached to socket subassembly 100 for enclosing
externally open, annular channel 130; and [0043] a electronics
subassembly 400 for converting the torsional strains on the socket
subassembly 100 to standard torque values and for determining
tightening angular displacement; electronic subassembly 400 is
interconnected to strain transducer subassembly 200 and mounted on
circular cover 300 to face strain transducer subassembly 200;
[0044] Describing now in detail, [0045] socket subassembly 100
includes first engaging cavity 110, shaped to conform to and engage
with a torque tool exit shaft (not shown), usually of a square
drive type; second engaging cavity 120 is shaped to conform to and
engage with a fastening element, such as a bolt or nut of a
specific size (also not shown); externally open, annular channel
130 is provided with a circular bottom surface 140, precision
machined for mounting strain transducer subassembly 200; [0046]
strain transducer subassembly 200 comprises four strain gages 210,
equally spaced from each other on circular bottom surface 140,
intended for measuring torsional strains; each of the four strain
gages 210, is of the 45 degree dual grid shear pattern and is made
of constantan which is a copper/nickel alloy characterized by
constant resistance under variations of temperature, reliability,
and extensive service life; each of the four strain gages 210
comprises a pair of parallel strain elements 220, so arranged that
a convergence line of parallel strain elements 220 is parallel to
the longitudinal axis of symmetry of socket subassembly 100, for
measuring torsional strains, only; strain transducer subassembly
200 is wired in a Wheatstone bridge to produce analog voltage
signals, proportional to only torsional strains in socket assembly
100, and therefrom in the fastening element; [0047] circular cover
subassembly 300 comprises a first and second semicircular segments
305 and 310;
[0048] first semi-circular segment 305 incorporates an axial and
radial protrusion 315 provided with a indented zone 320 including
an opening 325, a window 330 located above axial and radial
protrusion 315, a first and a second transversal openings 340, 345,
located on either side of window 330; axial and radial protrusion
315 includes a pair of fastening openings 350 for attachment to
socket sub-assembly 100; first semi-circular segment 305 includes
diametrically opposed threaded openings 355;
[0049] second semi-circular segment 310 incorporates a pair of
fastening openings 360, corresponding to diametrically opposed
threaded openings 355; the former and the latter are used for
attachment of first and second semi-circular segments 305 and 310
by fasteners (not shown). [0050] electronic subassembly 400
comprises a processing unit A, a user interface unit B and a power
supply unit C;
[0051] Processing unit A includes: [0052] a microcontroller 405 for
digital and analog signal processing, such as an 8-bit
microcomputer of the type made by Silicon Industries, under the
name of C8051, mounted on first semi-circular segment 305, and
connected to strain transducer subassembly 200, for converting the
torsional strain into standard engineering units of torque, for
measuring angular displacement by means of a sensor (not shown),
for providing date/time function to time stamp tightening cycles
and measured parameters, and for parameter and configuration memory
storage. [0053] user interface unit B includes; [0054] a display
410, such as EINK display, manufactured by Kent Displays, mounted
on first semi-circular segment 305 and viewed through window 330,
interconnected to microcontroller 405 providing a feature for
displaying the selected imposed parameters (applied torque and/or
angular displacement), and for displaying the running and final
measured parameters (applied torque and/or angular displacement);
[0055] a connection port 420, mounted to first semi-circular
segment 305 and accessed through first transversal opening 340, is
interconnected to processing unit A for communication to an
external device, such as a personal computer or tool's own
controller for the purpose of verification of applied torque or
angular displacement, or for the purpose of controlling the tool
shut-off at the imposed parameter (applied torque and/or angular
displacement; [0056] a keypad 415, in the form of multiple discrete
push-buttons, of membrane type, as the one made by Padtech
Industries, mounted in indented zone 320, is interconnected to
processing unit A via opening 325, for selecting the desired
parameter for verification (applied torque and/or angular
displacement), or for selecting the parameter (applied torque
and/or angular displacement) at which to signal the tool's own
controller to shut-off at the imposed parameter (applied torque
and/or angular displacement; [0057] a pass/fail indicator 418, in
the form of a multi color LED, located in second transversal
opening 345, and is interconnected to processing unit A for
indicating if the measured parameter (applied torque and/or angular
displacement), is within the pre-established upper parameter limit
and lower parameter limit as defined by the user. [0058] power
supply unit C includes; [0059] a power source in the form of a
battery 430, such as a compact, rechargeable single cell Lipo, for
powering electronic subassembly 400 and; [0060] a battery charging
and protection circuit (not shown) for charging battery 430 which
is connected to a DC power source (not shown) and protects the
battery 430 from over-voltage, under voltage, short circuit and
over-temperature.
[0061] Operation of the Tool
[0062] The user will mount assembly 10, intercalated between a
torque tool (not shown) and a fastening element (also not shown),
for measuring torques and tightening angles, onto torque tool ,
such as a powered torque tool (not shown), by inserting the driving
tool shaft of the latter into first engaging cavity 110, wherein
may be retained by a locking pin. The user will then engage the
fastener assembly 19 (not shown) with assembly 10, respectively its
second engaging cavity 120.
[0063] The user, by using display 410 and keypad 415, can select
and modify the ultimate torque and angular displacement values,
which are displayed in standard engineering units, by incrementing
or decrementing the values via the keypad pushbuttons, or select
from a pre-established list of values. By the same means the user
may also change the desired standard engineering units for torque,
for example NM, ft lbs, etc. Display 410 also indicates the
operational readiness of assembly 10.
[0064] Under normal operation, microcontroller 405, by means of
display 410, will indicate "Ready" when the device has sufficient
battery power, and is ready for measurements.
[0065] The user will then proceed tightening the fastener by
operating the torque tool. On cessation of tool operation,
microcontroller 405 will indicate the final measured parameter(s)
(applied torque and/or angular displacement) via display 410 and
via pass/fail indicator 418, During the tightening process,
microcontroller 405 monitors and stores the running measured
parameter(s) (applied torque and/or angular displacement) for
analysis by the user.
[0066] In another operational variant, the user selects an ultimate
torque value, and a desired ultimate angular displacement value,
therefore providing a means for after the ultimate torque value is
achieved microcontroller 405 will zero the position count, and at a
pre-established threshold prior to the desired ultimate angular
position, the microcontroller 405 sends a signal, or plurality of
signals via connection port 420 to the tool's own controller (not
shown) to control the approach of and the shutoff of, the tool to
achieve the imposed parameter (applied torque and/or angular
displacement) within the desired upper and lower parameter
limits.
* * * * *